It’s inevitable that when we live in the same property for any length of time, we’ll accumulate a lot of ‘stuff’. Some of that ‘stuff’ is useful, some of it sentimental. Yet a lot of it is little more than junk, sat slowly collecting dust. This is why if you’re guilty of accumulating ‘stuff ‘you don’t really need, you should clear it out. ‘Tidy house, tidy mind’ they always say; and it’s true. Whether you want a clear out in order to make over your home with some new carpets and shiny oak doors, or you simply want a clearer house and head – here are our top tips for hosting a colossal clear out.

Don’t try to do everything at once

If you try to do everything in a day, you may very well become overwhelmed and end up doing nothing at all. Instead, aim to sort out one room each day.

Opt to tackle the largest and most cluttered room first. Once you’ve got the biggest job out of the way, everything else will seem like a walk in the park.

Make three piles

One pile for things you use regularly, one pile for things you use occasionally and one pile for things you never use or that are simply useless.

Be honest with yourself

It can be difficult; I’m guilty of doing this myself, but if you’re looking at an item of clothing you haven’t worn in two years, don’t try and convince yourself you might wear it again in the future. You haven’t worn it in two years – get rid of it. You won’t miss it once it’s gone.

Plan to treat yourself

You’ll find it much easier to part with old clothes, shoes and other bits and bobs if you tell yourself you’ll treat yourself after.

Instead of three pairs of five year old jeans that you ‘might’ fit into again at some point but probably won’t, you can have one pair of well-fitted and brand new jeans.

You might even choose to treat yourself with something larger such as a new bed or a set of oak doors. It doesn’t matter what it is – if the reward makes it easier to throw stuff out then it’s worth it.

Organize what’s left

Don’t just shove everything you’ve decided to keep under the bed or into a corner of the living room – organize it properly. If this means investing in a few sets of draws or some additional shelves then so be it.

Keep on top of the cleaning

Maintaining a clean and clutter-free home is like maintaining weight loss; it takes time, attention and effort.

Work up a rota and stick to it! And, unless you live alone make sure to get your partner, housemates or family involved. Everyone contributes to the dirt and mess, so everyone should contribute to clearing it up!

This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of UK Oak Doors; suppliers of oak external and internal doors UK.

2 Comments

Excellent tips as any woman I have big problems with the storage of all these lovely stuffs The most important advice is be honest with yourself! In my opinion this is the main problem when you cleaning in the closet.

The hardest thing for me to do it throwing away stuff. I have lots of clothes in my closet that I have never wear even once in my life. I kept thinking i am going to wear them one day so no need to throw away. Because of this some times its hard for me to find clothes when i am in a rush!